Pollutants derived from agricultural operations
can result in significant impairment of surface and
groundwater quality. These pollutants often enter
surface waters from diffuse or non-point sources
associated with surface runoff and from point
sources typically associated with concentrated
farming activities such as the production of livestock.
Recognition of the impacts that may result
from release of concentrated levels of oxygen-demanding
organic waste and associated nutrients
has led to the investigation of multiple wastewater
management alternatives. One alternative receiving
increasing consideration is the use of constructed
treatment wetlands to intercept and
partially renovate wastewaters before they leave
the farm as surface runoff or groundwater infiltration,
or before they are reused on the farm for
irrigation or other activities. Constructed treatment
wetlands offer a low-energy alternative to
other waste treatment technologies and are compatible
with typical farm and ranch operations
(Kadlec and Knight, 1996).
Wastewaters derived from livestock (cattle,
dairy, swine, poultry, aquaculture, or any other
farm-reared animals) operations can often be isolated
and treated prior to release or reuse. Because
these wastewaters are typically
concentrated, they can be conveniently intercepted,
pretreated, and subjected to additional
advanced treatment in proportion to the desired
quality for their ultimate disposal. Pilot and fullscale
constructed treatment wetlands have been
utilized for livestock wastewater treatment
throughout many parts of the USA and Canada